By Ayomide Otitoju
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to merit-based appointments as his Deputy Chief of Staff, Engr. Samuel Egube, was honoured with an Outstanding Leadership Award by the Urhobo and Isoko Elites in Lagos.
Egube received the recognition at a reception held at the Muson Centre, Onikan, on Saturday. The event, themed “Celebrating Excellence, Service and Impact,” celebrated his contributions to public service and described him as “a pride of the Urhobo, Isoko and the South-South in Lagos.”
Speaking at the ceremony, which was attended by members of the Lagos State Executive Council, traditional rulers, community leaders and business executives, Governor Sanwo-Olu said excellence, competence and integrity remain the key criteria for appointments in his administration, regardless of ethnic background.
The governor said Egube’s rise in government was driven by his professionalism, sound judgment and consistent delivery of results.
He noted that Egube had demonstrated exceptional leadership during his tenure as Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget through people-centred budgeting and measurable performance, and has continued to excel as Deputy Chief of Staff by coordinating the governor’s engagements and supporting the effective administration of the Governor’s Office.
Sanwo-Olu described Egube as a dependable adviser whose integrity and competence have earned his trust over more than two decades of personal and professional association.
According to the governor, the recognition of Egube reflects the principle that excellence transcends ethnic and regional affiliations.
“We don’t ask where excellence comes from. What matters is the ability to do the job well and serve the people faithfully,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Responding to the award, Egube thanked the Urhobo and Isoko Elites for the honour, describing it as a source of encouragement to remain committed to excellence in public service.
He said the recognition was particularly meaningful because it came from his own people and acknowledged his contributions to the development of Lagos State.
Egube also urged young Nigerians to pursue success through discipline, resilience, integrity and hard work, irrespective of their background.
Chairman of the occasion, Olorogun Moses Taiga, praised Egube as a worthy ambassador of the Urhobo, Isoko and South-South communities, saying his achievements reflect their contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State and Nigeria.
Taiga also commended the organisers for celebrating Egube while he remains actively engaged in public service, describing the gesture as a timely show of appreciation and encouragement.
